Ruger models

[dog gone it]

Ive looked on the website and forgive me but I cant seem to find or read anywhere the difference between a Ruger LCR and a Ruger LCR + P
Can someone please explain what the +P stands for ?
Thanks

 

[PapaG]

+P is a 38 loaded to slightly higher than standard 38 pressure.

 

[dog gone it]

Well thats interesting. I guess I really dont have to have the "+P"
Thanks

 

[dog gone it]

I might now after some more reading better understand that if I buy a .38 LCR +P then this pistol will accommodate the +P Ammo...right ?
I didnt know there was a +P Ammunition.

 

[jmr40]

I'd recommend the +p version. You probably don't want to shoot a lot of +P ammo, but it is nice to have the option.

 

[Steve C]

As far as I know all .38 spl Ruger LCR's and LCR-x's are rated for +P ammo. Never saw one listed otherwise. Since there's no standard pressure only LCR there's no model you can get that is standard pressure only and there's nothing special about a +P .38 spl LCR.

 

[CZ9shooter]

As far as I know all .38 spl Ruger LCR's and LCR-x's are rated for +P ammo. Never saw one listed otherwise.

This was my thinking too.

However, there is a 357 model, which differs from the 38.

 

[Water-Man]

"As far as I know all .38 spl Ruger LCR's and LCR-x's are rated for +P ammo. Never saw one listed otherwise. Since there's no standard pressure only LCR there's no model you can get that is standard pressure only and there's nothing special about a +P .38 spl LCR."

When it comes to J-frame size revolvers, there's alot special with the LCR.

 

[DPris]

All .38 Special LCRs are rated for +P.
There aren't two .38 versions, one for "regular" & one for +P.
Denis

 

[dog gone it]

Thanks for all the replies.
I was concerned about shooting this +P ammo in a Ruger model of LCR that might not correctly accommodate it but from what Im reading hear then I dont have any concerns.
Im just having a hard time differentiating between the different models like LCR 5401, LCR 5402, etc...
I know some come with a hammer (double action) and some dont (double action only) but I wish there was a LCR list that shows the difference of the other models.
I will research the Ruger website again and see what I can figure out.

 

[DPris]

The Ruger site should show you photos that illustrate each LCR quite clearly.
The differences will be .38 and .357, and further in barrel lengths & sights & hammers.

None of the .38 LCRs differentiate between standard .38s & +p .38s in ammunition.

Those all accommodate exactly the same .38 ammunition, you just choose the configuration & features you want.

What are you trying to figure out?
Denis

 

[dog gone it]

Im trying to make sure that I dont buy a model that I dont want. For example its easy to tell the ones with a hammer. I do want the hammer-less (double action only).
So I was wanting to make sure that if I buy a basic .38 LCR for example that it will still shoot the +P ammo and from what Ive read it does.
I really dont want the laser. I cant think of any other options Im in need of.
I should also mention that this pistol will be carried by my wife in her purse.
Thanks

 

[DPris]

As addressed in response to your PM, EVERY .38 SPECIAL RUGER LCR EVER BUILT IN ANY CONFIGURATION IS RATED FOR .38 SPECIAL +P AMMUNITION.

Just look at the images on their website for models with internal hammer & go from there.
Also understand that your wife will probably not like +P through that gun anyway.
Denis

 

[dog gone it]

She has no preference at this time other than it will be in her purse. She has went to the gun shop and seen a few different ones and the store owner agreed that no hammer to get snagged on was a good idea.
In reference to the +P issue then I get it.
There are other comments on this thread that would give the impression there is such a model that doesnt accommodate the +P ammo.
Please forgive my ignorance. I thought I was doing good by trying to educate myself.
Ive been shooting since I was a kid but its always been with the same .22, .223, 12ga, and .357 mag(for home)
Seems like guns and ammo has changed some through the years.
And I apologized for bothering you in the PM as well.
Happy Easter.

 

[Ironicaintit]

Getting one capable of +p is a good idea, because well...ya never know. Overbuilt is rarely a negative.

Has your lady test driven an LCR?

 

[DPris]

You weren't a bother in the PM.
We'd just already explained to you that the LCR in any version was +P rated.

I re-stated as plainly in that PM and here as possible, because you still appeared to be unsure.

Nothing wrong with educating yourself, that part was great.
Just didn't seem willing to accept the verdict.

When I'd already told you twice all .38 LCRs are +P rated & there's no difference in that respect between models, and you say in a PM "So, you're saying this gun can handle +P?", I again laid it out as clearly & concisely for you as I could.

And my repeating it here was also partially to confirm to other readers who may not have known.

If neither you nor your wife has fired a .38 LCR with +P, you may find you don't like the recoil in such a lightweight revolver.
I doubt she will, it can sting.

The hammerless no-snag feature is excellent for purse carry, and the trigger is typically easy for those with lesser hand strength to operate. It's also very light-weight to carry.
Not trying to talk you out of buying an LCR, just saying it may end up possibly not being a good fit with your spouse with +P ammunition.

Which still leaves you open to standard .38 Specials, with slightly less sting in the hand.
Good luck with it.
Denis

 

[Coyote3855]

We see light weight snub nosed .38 Special revolvers show up regularly in our NRA basic pistol classes. Recoil even with non +P ammunition is often more than new shooters want to deal with. Firearm carry issues are always a compromise between convenience (light weight, small size, etc.) and the ability to shoot the gun accurately. In reality, lightweight short barreled revolvers are most efficient in the hand of experience shooters. If possible, get to a range where your wife can rent/shoot various handguns. It will be an enlightening experience for both of you.

 

[Spats McGee]

I took a look at this page, which lists the various models. Every model that lists .38 Spl as its caliber lists it as "38 Spl +P."

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

A gun rated for 38 Special +P can safely digest 38 Special +P ammunition without damaging the gun. It is not advisable to fire 38 Special +P ammunition in a revolver that is not rated for it.

+P is nomenclature the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI) uses to denote cartridges that develop higher pressure than the standard version of that cartridge.

SAAMI Max pressure for 38 Special is 17,000 psi.
SAAMI Max pressure for 38 +P is 20,000 psi

When you compare that to the SAAMI Max pressure for 357 Magnum of 35,000 +P I have to wonder why 38 Special +P exists at all.

 

[roscoe]

You can find softer-shooting .38 ammo, if recoil is an issue (which is often the case for smaller shooters using those small-frame .38 revolvers). Hornady Critical Defense Lite (sic) is one well-respected softer-shooting ammunition.

Good luck! Dipping your toe into firearms is tricky - stay safe!

BTW - I also endorse the idea of taking your wife to a range to try a variety of guns before plunking down money.

 

[BSA1]

As commented J-Frame revolvers are more difficult to shoot than larger frame ones. Yet small revolvers are most commonly sold for conceal carry because their small size makes them easier to hide

Let your wife shoot one before buying. I suspect she will not find it enjoyable especially with +P ammunition.

IMHO Colt Detective Special and Police Positive Special are near ideal for most women. Larger than the J-Frame but smaller and lighter weight than the S&W K-Frame revolvers. My wife pronounced her P.P.S. perfect after I installed a set of Hogue rubber grips on it.

The bad news is Colt no longer makes them so you will need to look for a good used one. However it is worth the search.

 

[Gary A]

If you haven't already made a purchase, it might be well to mention that the .357 version of the LCR looks almost the same but the metal part of the frame is steel instead of the aluminum on the .38 Special version. The .357 can also safely shoot shorter .38 Specials as much as you want but being steel it is 3 or 4 ounces heavier which would dampen the recoil of .38 Special +P quite a bit, if recoil might be an issue, which it well might.

 

[DPris]

And, lest there be any question there, EVERY .357 Mag Ruger LCR ever made can also shoot .38 Special +P.
Denis